1911 Frame Sizes Explained

One of the most enduring pistol designs is that of the 1911. The 1911 works well as concealed carry, home-defense or simply a plinking pistol. It is manufactured in a range of frame sizes and slide lengths. From Government size frames to Officer’s frames, understanding how they differ from each other can be tricky. Here, we’ll break down everything you need to know about 1911 handguns to help you decide which is best for you.

History of the 1911 Handgun

While the slide and barrel length aren’t always standard, 1911s follow three basic frame sizes. These are the Government, Commander and Officer’s models. Some more frequently encountered variations include the Concealed Carry Officer’s (CCO), a model with a Commander-length slide on an Officer’s-sized frame, or the long-slide Government.

Standard issue for the U.S. Armed Forces from 1911 to 1985, the Government model was the original and only frame for some time. The Commander was introduced in 1949, and the Officer’s Model came about 20 years later. However, the Government model remains the most sensible handgun for many shooters though others have utility in concealed carry.

Standard Sizes of 1911 Models

• The Government Model handgun is 8.25 inches long and 5.5 inches tall, with a 1-inch-wide frame.
• Commander models are ¾ inch shorter.
• Officer’s frames are 4.8 inches tall, and the barrel is 3 to 3.5 inches.
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    The Colt Defender is a 3-inch Officer’s model 1911.

    Some argument may be made that the true Officer’s model features a 3.5-inch barrel, while the 3-inch barrel is a Defender.

Custom gunsmiths “chopped and channeled” 1911 handguns, making them much smaller, or welded frames and slides to make a long-slide handgun before the factory standardized these styles. The SIG C3 is a factory version of the CCO. Another popular version in modern production is the Kimber Pro Carry or Commander-length pistols with a 4-inch bushingless lockup rather than a 4.25 inch barrel with separate bushing.

Government Model

One argument against the Government model is its size and weight. At more than 40 ounces loaded, it is a drag on the hip. The Commander was intended as a new service pistol in 9mm with an aluminum frame and ¾ inch shorter slide and barrel. Recoil is greater than the Government due to the more than 10 ounces shaved off with the aluminum frame. The Commander demands more practice than the Government to master, in my experience.

Commander Model

Aluminum frame guns do not suffer from a lot of shooting. However, they do not take abuse as well. For example, Commander frames have been ruined by attempting to polish the feed ramp. With the introduction of the Series 70 pistols, the steel-frame Commander became the most popular of the model. And modern lightweight-frame Commanders often feature a ramped barrel to eliminate frame gouging with sharp nose bullets that can sometimes occur with aluminum-frame 1911 handguns.

The Commander is regarded as less reliable than the Government Model in long term use. This is primarily due to increased slide momentum and a different feed cycle. Proper recoil spring selection and a bushingless barrel go a long way toward Commander reliability.

Officer’s Model

The Officer’s model demanded more modification, with an even shorter slide and barrel than the Commander. Originally a product of U.S. Army gunsmith, the Officer’s model features a 3.5-inch barrel and shorter grip. The majority of Officer’s 1911 handguns produced today feature a 3-inch barrel and bushingless lockup. The Colt Defender is among the best known. In addition to a belled barrel, the Defender also features a barrel with one less locking lug to allow a faster tilt during the feed cycle. These changes were mandated to manufacture a functional short-slide 1911 handgun. Top of Form

Other 1911 Handguns

Then there are the 1911 handguns that stretch the definition. A long-slide 1911 will feature a Government frame with a longer slide and 6-inch barrel. These are easy shooting pistols and among the more accurate 1911s. They are better balanced than you would think.

And the Concealed Carry Officer’s Model is an idiom that offers a Commander-length sight radius and 4.25-inch barrel on an Officer’s Model. The Concealed Carry Officer’s Model is a compromise in many ways and among the best 1911 to concealed carry. The small grip aids in concealment while the longer slide offers greater reliability and hit probability. With Wilson Combat magazines, the pistol maintains an eight-round capacity.

Is the 1911 a Good Concealed Carry Gun?

The 1911 is from an era in which performance was everything. There was little consideration of the price point or economical manufacture, so a quality 1911 is expensive. While it is possible to cheapen a product with inferior material, these handguns seldom prove satisfactory.

This handgun is fast into action and delivers a strong blow. As far as reliability, longevity and control, the steel-frame 1911 remains a good choice. A variation in modern times is a lightweight aluminum frame Government offered by Colt and Kimber. If you’re considering carrying a handgun for personal protection, the 1911 is a tried and true option that has been popular amongst gun enthusiasts for over a century. While the 1911 is slightly larger and heavier than other popular concealed carry options, some prefer its solid construction and reliable performance.

All 1911 handguns feature the same thin grip that fits most hands well. The controls — slide lock, grip safety and slight lock safety — are located in the same place on all frame sizes. And the trigger action is the same. Mastering a 1911 can be a process as a lightweight frame has more recoil. My recommendation for a first 1911 will always be a steel-frame Government Model. Purchase a good quality handgun. You will enjoy the pistol more, it will perform well and have a better trade-in should you need it to. Consider your needs and choose the pistol that suits you best.